Guests can enjoy an exquisite nine-course royal Thai menu on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, overlooking Wat Arun as the breath-taking barges sail past

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                             26 September 2019

BANGKOK, THAILAND: sala rattanakosin Bangkok is celebrating Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession with a fresh dining experience that gives guests the best seats in town for this spectacular event.

The Royal Barge Procession is an important and historical occasion in Thailand, which has drawn crowds to the banks of the “River of Kings”, the Chao Phraya, for almost 700 years. It features 52 intricately crafted golden barges, including the main Royal Barge, being rowed down the river by over 2,000 oarsmen in a dramatic display.

This glittering golden procession travels downstream from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in north Bangkok, past the city’s most important landmarks and royal buildings, including the Grand Palace and Wat Po, before ending at Wat Arun (the “Temple of the Dawn”) – directly in front of sala rattanakosin Bangkok’s elevated riverfront restaurant.

This remarkable floating parade is not an annual occurrence; it is only held to mark special occasions. This year’s Royal Barge Procession is the most significant in over 70 years, as it represents the final part of the coronation of King Vajiralongkorn, Rama X.

Guests are now being invited to enjoy this enchanting ceremony with a unique dining journey that promises the finest royal Thai cuisine and a front row seat for the procession, overlooking the Chao Phraya and Wat Arun.

On 17thand 21stOctober 2019, diners are invited to watch the full dress rehearsals of the procession, and then on 24thOctober, the official Royal Barge Procession will take place. On all three dates, the hotel’s expert chefs will craft a delectable nine-course menu that features classical dishes that reflect the cuisine that would be served in the kingdom’s royal palaces.

An exotic opening dish of fried dried fish with watermelon is followed by spicy river prawns with Thai herb sauce, creating a mouth-watering start to the evening. Next, the Thai chicken salad with seven vegetables, blanched in coconut milk and served with a sour, salty and sweet curry dressing is a perfect example of how Thai cuisine is able to balance flavours and textures.

The first main course of beef curry seasoned with fermented shrimp paste and chili sauce is deep, rich and delicious, while the sweet pork belly is cooked until it is so tender that it simply melts in the mouth. Following this, diners will be able to savour shrimp paste with sweet pork and crispy deep-fried fluffy fish – a highly authentic and aromatic dish that reflects the rich heritage of royal Thai cuisine. A fragrant yellow coconut curry with turmeric, lemongrass and chili is then accompanied by stir-fried vegetables with shrimps and pickled garlic. This memorable menu concludes with a sweet coconut dessert.

“The Royal Barge Procession is a rare cultural phenomenon and a truly unmissable spectacle for visitors to Thailand this October. While this tradition is believed to date back as far as the 14thCentury, there have only been four processions this century. The fact that this year’s event is also being held to mark the coronation of Thailand’s new king, Rama X, makes it even more important. We are delighted to allow guests to experience this historic ceremony, while also showcasing the finest traditions of Thai cuisine in a stunning riverside setting,” said Mr.Volkert Geertsen, Cluster General Manager.

The Royal Barge Procession dinner at sala rattanakosin Bangkok is being hosted for three nights only on 17th, 21stand 24thOctober 2019, and limited seats are available. The menu is priced at just THB2,999++ per couple.

For more information and to experience his once-in-a-lifetime dining journey, please contact +66 (0) 2 622 1388 or email [email protected]. Alternatively to learn more about the hotel, please visit www.salahospitality.com/rattanakosin.